Development of value-added composites from recycled high-density polyethylene, jute fiber and flyash cenospheres: Mechanical, dynamic mechanical and thermal properties

Abstract

Composites were developed from post-consumer and industrial wastes: recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) and jute fiber/flyash cenospheres (FACS). Variations in mechanical strength, storage modulus (E″), loss modulus (E′) and damping parameter (tan δ) with the addition of fiber/FACS into rHDPE in the presence of coupling agent maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene (MAPE) were investigated. It was observed that the tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength and modulus as well as hardness of the composites increased significantly at 20 wt% fiber/10 wt% FACS/3 wt% MAPE with respect to rHDPE. Dynamic mechanical analysis data showed an increase in the storage and loss modulus of the both fiber/FACS-reinforced composites. The tan δ spectra presented a strong influence of fiber/FACS content and coupling agent on the α′ relaxation process of rHDPE. The thermal behavior of the composites was evaluated from TGA/DTG thermograms. The fiber/FACS/matrix morphology in the MAPE-treated composites was confirmed by SEM analysis of the tensile-fractured specimens. The results suggested successful development of value-added and low-cost polymeric composites from environmentally hazardous waste materials.